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Graduate Certificates in Criminal Justice Administration

Career summary: Police and Detectives

Average Salary

$56,980

National Average, Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

Good

5% job growth by 2022, which is below average

Earn a degree in criminal justice administration from an accredited college

One of the best ways to prepare for a career in criminal justice administration is through a college education. A Graduate Certificate will help you develop entry level skills, general criminal justice administration know how and the basic criminal justice administration experience you need to start your career off right.
You may also consider a Master's in Criminal Justice Administration to help you take your education and career to the next level.
Please select criminal justice administration school below.

Overview

Why would I want a criminal justice administration degree?

If you wish to defend your country or community without taking an extended hiatus to the Middle East, this is the career path for you. It gives you an opportunity to put the “bad guys” behind bars, enforce the law, and keep your family and others’ safe. You should be interested in criminal justice, law, policing, juvenile corrections, or security. This is one of the most important workforces in society, because it ensures our freedomsÃ¢â¬âof life, property, and happiness for allÃ¢â¬â are intact.

Job Description

What kinds of jobs could I get with a criminal justice administration degree?

This is a general field, and the line is hazy dividing it from law enforcement. Common careers include police officer, sheriff, highway patrolman, corrections officer, FBI or DEA agent, and detective. Other typical jobs for criminal justice administration majors are police captain, sergeant, police chief, detective, social worker, and security officer. You also have the choice of related fields like law, recreation, distribution services, managing and administration, military, teaching, and emergency medical services.

5 Common Careers

police officer

county/deputy sheriff

highway patrol officer

corrections officer

FBI agent

Salary

How much will I make?

Members of the police force, including transit and railroad police and game wardens, average about $55,650 annually. The head honchos, or police supervisors (sergeant, captain, chief), are paid an average of $78,260. For those who major in criminal justice administration, the entry level salary is about $35,300 and mid-career pay is $58,900.

Career Outlook

How is the job market?

Competition can get fierce for employment in state and federal agencies, but the outlook is more favorable at the local level. Careers in criminal justice administration are expected to grow about as fast as average, due to population growth. If you’re bilingual and you’ve got some experience with the military or police science tucked under your belt, chances are great for you. Areas with higher crime levels or lower salaries will probably have more openings.

Career Path

What skills do I need?

Most places you go in criminal justice administration will expect you to be socially and psychologically healthy, and have the ability to interpret law and make decisions. You’ll work in often challenging conditions, and sometimes you may see suffering and the horrible results of crime. You’ll deal with many different kinds of people. An understanding of law is important for you to enforce the law, and this will be part of your instruction at school or training on-site. Organizational skills would be recommended, because you will likely be required to file reports, fill out paperwork, and take records for evidence in court. As a security or police officer, you will likely need to follow instructions, so make sure you can do that too.

What classes are required for a criminal justice administration degree?

Many positions in criminal justice administration require only a high school diploma. Should you choose to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, the curricula will teach you the theories and principles of criminal justice, critical thinking, leadership and managerial skills, etc. Classes could include criminology, corrections, public safety, terrorism, psychology, computer crime, and others. Requirements will depend, of course, on the college of your choice.

Learning Format

Location

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